Tourettes Syndrome

Tourette's Syndrome, or TS is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by involuntary tics. While often portrayed in the media for comedic effect, it's a serious disease, and patients who suffer from the more debilitating forms can cause serious injury to themselves because of the tics and spasms. Estimates say that there are about 100,000 people with Tourette's Syndrome in the United States alone. At present, there is no known cure, but patients say their symptoms lessen as they age.

Beginning with a casual German study in 1997, there have been several research products that have demonstrated that TS patients may see a decrease in their tics and other related behaviors, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, when using THC, the "active ingredient" in cannabis. None of the studies showed any impairment of cognitive function.

A more recent, more comprehensive study took place in 2003. In that study, Tourette's Syndrome patients were given either THC or placebo for six weeks, and asked to track their daily tics. Patients taking THC showed a significant decrease in tics, with no adverse effects, or negative effects on verbal memory, recall, or learning abilities. In a paper published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, the researchers' conclusion was that "Therapy with delta-9 THC should be tried…" at least for adult patients.

Today, the use of medical marijuana to treat Tourette's is still not officially sanctioned, even in the states where cannabis is authorized to treat other diseases. In Colorado, it was recently rejected as an authorized disease for medical marijuana certification. Nevertheless, when the traditional treatments for TS fail to work, or the only available medications come with risky side effects (at least one can cause heart problems), both clinical and anecdotal evidence support the use of cannabis as a viable option.

Comments

Guest | Mar 3, 2013

i am 15 years old i live in canada i have been smokeing marajuana since i was 14 and i was a bad kid i was kicked out of 3 schools in one year for fighting i tried marajuana and a i dont even tic anymore and i am still on prozac resperadone and conserta i havent got in a fight for 1 whole year and im not going to its the best medical substence ever

Guest | Oct 22, 2012

weed is good

Guest | Jun 27, 2012

any thoughts on the proper dosage of marijuana for a moderate case of tourettes and wasting disorders?

Guest | Jun 22, 2012

I have had tourettes since I was a young child and had many tics and episodes of anger and violence that kept me on the outside and acceptance of others. When I was 13 I took my first hit of marijuana and it took everything way instantly and I felt a great relief of the battles I had with myself. I swore by it then and i still do that it was the only herb (I refuse to call it a drug, becase it is God's miracle plant)that worked efficiantly and instantly with no side effects. I am now in my 50's and a strong Christian and I thank God for this miracle he has given us. Without it I don't know what i would have done, because i was always causing harm to myself and others. It should not have been illegal from the start. It is safer than anything the legal drug pushers are trying to shove down our throats.

Guest | Jun 21, 2012

WHOA

Guest | Jun 18, 2012

im 15 years old now and started using cannabis when i was 14 i was diagnosed when i was 9 in the tri cities and in a sence has been getting worse ive tried three different medications aderal, wich is like a meth but in pill form,riddilin wich just zombified me,and concerta,wich is also like a tweak but for working, all three medications were sent to me in different doses and none of the above realy helped 100% eventualy not expecting the results i tried cannabis about 5 minuets and 3 bong rips later its like i found my own personal cure. not till i did reasearch did i know millions of people just like me also used this medicine not only 4 their own recreational use but for their medicinal uses 2 . i mean as much as i love america most of us need to open up our eyes. and not just realize it would get us out of debt but it helps, it comforts IT CURES . GEORGE WASHINGTON SMOKEd IT FOR UPSET STOMACHS HEADACHES OBAMA HAS BEEN CAUGHT SMOKING IT .AMERICA WAKE UP LEGALIZE IT i as an american should have the right to smoke it and not have to worry about when the cops will show up at my door as long as people are using it for reasonable purposes and not abusing it no one AND I MEAN NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT GOING TO JAIL OR PRISON FOR A NATURAL BORN PLANT THAT HAS JUST AS MANY RIGHTS TO BE HERE ON THIS EARTH AS YOUR EVERYDAY FLOWER GOD PUT IT HERE FOR ALL TO USE I MEAN DOESENT THE BACK OF A COIN SAY IN GOD WE TRUST SO THAT MEANS WE NEED TO TRUST IN WHAT GOD MADE.millions of pills are killing each day think of how many people just like us are just trying to fix their problem but cant because they are constantly swallowing little and big pills each day every day just to feel normal for a few hours but also go through side affects like anger, suicidal thoughts, upset stomachs depression, for god sakes tabacco for an example it kills thousands upon millions each year ive tried it a 15 year old kid .......now america u tell me do u want a bunch of kids walking around in the hospital with lung cancer or kids missing just a few brain cells but dont have to worry about facing the world with their diagnotic they might have red eyes but their not in the corner crying because their face twiches or their back hurts so they walk around with a hunch back all day or people who cant walk, maby somone got in an accident so half their face is burned and they constantly feel the pain everday its not a drug its a miracle all those people with cancer it kills pre cancer cells what do you guys want on the counter for the kids to reach to oxi cotton,oxi coidone america wants whats best for the kids but do they listen to the kids .......my answer is fuck no LEAGALIZE IT!!!

Guest | Jun 18, 2012

ive have a condition called touretts and add and have tried three different medicatons aderal wich is like a form of meth riddilin wich is a zombifier and concerta wich is like a tweak for working i have taken several doses of those medications i was diagnosed wen i was 9 and now am 15 enexpecting the results 5 minuets and three bong rips later i felt like i found my own cure untill i did reasearch and found millions of people used it not only for recreational use but medical uses too. i found that to many people are using over the counter drugs for ther problems like oxi cotton oxi coidones pills for depression back pains and pains in general pills that people are constantly having to pop just to feel normal just to wake up and repeat the process pills are constantly killing people then all they had to do is use a little cannabis on the back of our coins say in god we trust god made cannabis didnt he ? america says they want whats best for the kids uhhhhhhh did they ask the kids what if the kids wanted this what if the kids had problem they didnt want the world to see so they strted popping pills to make it go away but then the pills side affects were suicidal thoughts or depression do u as america want to be the home of the kids who commit suicide because he pills they take dont help so they find no reason to live because they feel like they dont fit in open your eyes all we need is to ask what we want ask what we feel we need lets all be proud america land of the free home of the suicial people the presidents smoked it why cant we ? all it is is a harmless plant just like a flower or tree or shrub i bet if we never knew to smoke it .it would not be illeagal so just cuz we smoke it and it helps with our everyday problems why does it have to be illeagal at this point in time ide rather be in a different country as a citizen i feel our rights have been taken awayour right should have stayed the day we became america people have problems and marijuana can fix them. if we leagalized it years ago we would be out of debt and practicaly our own country again theres just so much to it we have yet to unbderstand another thing look at the ba salt situation it was legal a MOTHER LET ME REPEAT A MOTHER ATE HER BABY AND A MAN ATE ANOTHER MANS FACE DONT BE STUPID AMERICA LEGALIZE IT LOWER CRIME RATES MORE MONEY TO GET US OUT OF DEBT BASICLY A PEACE ON EARTH OR IN OUR CASE AMERICA

Guest | Jun 11, 2012

I would like to express my deep empathy Angie and sympathy for Will. Angie, I know that you have probably
researched TS and been in touch w/ TSA. Trying to find causes for what is really a descriptive diagnosis can be difficult. Rule out strept, lyme, toxoplasmosis. All so overwhelming. Will, your post brings new hope. Dispensaries where I live have been raided and many closed down.

Guest | Jun 10, 2012

My son suddenly developed tics and may have had OCD for a while, but he needs help.
How do I find this Mindocino purple?

Guest | Jun 9, 2012

Hi my name is Will. I am a 24 year old male and have managed TS/OCD/whoknowswhat since age 8. I have recently fdound a strand of Marijuana called Mindocino Purple that is HIGHLY effective in treating both disorders, causing zero observable negative side effects. A gigantic variety of improvements have been easily observed in executive brain functioning, increased blood flow and energy (literally, electricity) to all parts of the body and brain. The most important improvements have been unexpected realizations about body posture and relaxation. My digestive system feels like it's getting a deep clean.
My shortness of breath that they thought was asthma I would now argue was merely a tense diaphragm/abdomen. Circulation and strength is returning to my toes, fingers, and joints. My occasional hip complaint since about age 8 has finally subsided with a sense of permanency. My sex organs feel looser and more comfortable (it's straighter!)
I can stretch further, I can focus longer, and my motivation and social responsiveness has improved dramatically.
If you or your child seems strange at first, remember, they are experiencing a brand new world view which often requires all kinds of new muscle development to adjust properly. If they are excited, it's because they've never felt better! Don't let that scare you. Happiness is a good thing.
When I laugh really hard now, I buckle and fall because my balance still has a long way to go. Love and patience are the most important practices to offer useful support. Kids with complicated sensory touch issues might not like the lights in the doctors office or your tone of voice for instance. They may need more time for tasks that others can do quickly and it's important that everything goes smoothly for the road to recovery to be worth it.
It has been the most exciting and unexpected discovery of my life!
That said, while these disorders are inarguably frustrating and painful, I also recognize that I possess a special ability to view the world around me as a result of coping with CONSTANT angst. After encountering successful treatment as a mature adult, nothing seems impossible to me. Do I wish I could have had relief a little earlier in life? Probably, but I'm sure how early...
My favorite book that relates to these challenges is Animals in Translation by Temple Grandin.

Guest | Apr 25, 2012

Hi,my name is Angie and i am a mom of a beautiful 8yr old boy.He suffers from Touretts and ADHD.We have had him on Ritalin now for 1yr with dosing changing from a low to higher to time release back to a regular dose.....it has changed him and tics have gotten worse.He is frustrated,angry,distracted, unfocused and problems at school.We need help!!!!i cry all the time for him and i can see the hurt in him..He is 8 and should not be dealing with all this negativity.advice please, because i would like to hear more info on cannabis and Touretts.do you know if anyone has giving a child cannabis?what has it done?we want to try just more info.

Guest | Apr 25, 2012

Hi I am just now researching TS since i suspect that my 3 year old son has it. My husband and I are from Colorado and are medicinal mj advocates ourselves. i have not tried to medicate my son, nor have I even had a formal diagnosis, but I HAVE seen research in using medicinal mj for children with epilepsy and other neurological problems. The instance that I saw was in an epilepsy case and the father was giving his son edible mj like in cookie or brownie form in very small doses. This was the only thing that helped because the other medications had such adverse side effects they were really of no help. Obviously medical mj for children is frowned upon by most of society, but I'm just letting you know that there have been some cases where it has been the only help. If it is something you want to try with your young child, I suggest using very small doses in edible form, as to now blow hits in your child's face or expect an 8 year old to lear how to smoke it. I recommend to try it, keep a journal about how your son reacts, and just keep it to yourself so you don't get into any legal trouble.

Guest | Apr 16, 2012

Oh cool

Guest | Apr 16, 2012

yes

Guest | Feb 1, 2012

. Yes. I have been smoking for quite some time, and have oticed that when I smoke, my tics are nearly unnoticable. And my anxiety is as well. I have been smoking since I was about 12. but people have known i have been, since I was about 16. But anyways, I just got my Medical card a short time ago and am glad I did. My life would be so different if I didn't smoke. I can't even imagine what my life would be like without marijuana.

Guest | Feb 1, 2012

I am so glad that this type of medicine is available. I have been smoking since I was about 16. and was diagnosed with Tourette's when I was 12. When I started smoking, I noticed the tics had subsided remarkably. My other diagnoses had been alleveiated as well. Marijuana has made such a difference in my life. I have recently recieved my Medical Card, and can now aquire stronger more effective medicine. Thank goodness.

Guest | Jan 22, 2012

As someone with Tourette's, I can honestly say that it definetly helps with my tics

Guest | Dec 2, 2011

I have been smoking since I was 18, after being diagnosed with Tourretees as well as manic depression, Pot is the only thing that helped me relax and improved my health by helping to gain weight. I do not twitch nearly as much. My children know about my use since its been 19 years I have used, and they can tell when I haven't had some. I twitch and fidget and am all over the place like a rubber ball. I am a 37 yo woman that just wants relief. I am otherwise a productive member of society leading girl scouts and teaching sunday school. Now why do I ahve to feel like a criminal because I have gone against government controlled dangerous medication and would rather use something safe?

Guest | May 3, 2011

There are sections in "Granny Storm Crow's MMJ Reference List" on Tourette's, OCD, and ADD/ADHD. "Granny's List" is an online compilation of links to MMJ studies, and also news articles about the medical uses of cannabis. Please take the time to run the search, it's worth your time! Educate yourself about this amazing healing herb!

As I have said my husband has a head injury, so I have been around a lot of people who have dealt with the injury. One of the common occurrences after an injury is tourette's, which is a little known fact. But to see someone who was so prim and proper turn into a nervous tick of a person who blurts out words, without anyway of stopping it is hard. But when she began to smoke, the occurrences evened out and she now can feel comfortable going places. MMJ does work, you just have to give it a chance.

Guest | Apr 26, 2011

I have T.S. myself and I self medicate. I have been smoking for a while now and I have found that it does relax me. I don't understand why not treat us with it. I have tried way too many medications that are supposed to help but find myself right back talking to the doctor. Marijuana does help us....at least me lol.

I just have to continue as I read these to say how greatful I am knowing all the wonders that are truly hide within the wonder known as medical marijuana. I think it is so great and everyone should know all it can truly do for us and our families.

I have a friend who smokes quite of a bit of cannabis now that he discovered it helps him chill out and not act out as much. He was pretty vocal with his tourettes up until 11th grade around 4 years ago. He didn't say random things like most people think happens, it was a nervous tick type situation where he made a weird noise. He smoked some weed with myself and some of my friends during highschool one night when we invited him to hang out, He noticed that it helped him quite a bit. I am glad for him, he doesn't have his medical marijuana card because he is sketched out to go to a doctor for it with the medical background he has, so he self medicates.

A host of other disorders are associated with tourettes,Obsessions
Compulsions and ritualistic behaviors--Attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADD or ADHD)--Learning disabilities--Difficulties with impulse control--Sleep disorders...Several medications can help control tics, including:
◦Clonidine (Catapres), pimozide (Orap), risperidone (Risperdal), and haloperidol (Haldol)
◦Newer antipsychotic medications, such as aripiprazole (Abilify) and ziprasidone (Geodon)
■Obsessive-compulsive symptoms may be treated with:
◦Fluoxetine (Prozac), clomipramine (Anafranil), sertraline (Zoloft), or other similar medications
■Symptoms of ADHD may be treated with:
◦Stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), pemoline (Cylert), dextroamphetamine sulfate (Dexedrine), or tricyclic antidepressants..Clinical testing has shown the use of cannabis is a viable treatment option....Why wouldn't people want to it as a healthier alternative to all these other medications?????

I had a friend in high school who took marinol for his tourettes. Marinol is the pill form of thc. This was the medication that helped him most. It actually let him relax more than he could have without it.

I honestly did not know that marijuana was used to treat the tics associated with Tourette's Syndrome. They should officially sanction it already, because they are using medicines that are more harmful to patients. There are so many proven positives of medical cannabis use that it is hard to fathom that the state of Colorado would reject the treatment of Tourette's Syndrome.